Payroll & HR Built for First Watch Operators
First Watch operates daytime-only, but that doesn’t make workforce management simple. Large brunch teams, tipped servers, and the unique challenges of peak-hour staffing all require a platform that can keep up. Netchex gives First Watch franchisees the HR and payroll infrastructure to run smoothly every morning. Whether you’re a First Watch franchise operator, a First Watch franchisee, or part of a First Watch franchise group managing multiple First Watch locations — Netchex is built for operators like you.
Run PayrollOperator group · 4 locationsReady to submitWe Know What It Takes to Run First Watch Locations
Daytime-only operations create concentrated peak periods where every staffing decision matters — and payroll must account for tipped staff, varying hours, and multi-location management.
Netchex delivers accurate tip-inclusive payroll, smart scheduling for peak-hour coverage, and unified HR tools across all your First Watch locations.
Peak-Hour Scheduling
Build efficient schedules around your busiest service windows.
Tip Reporting
Automated tip calculation and reporting for tipped staff.
Multi-Location
One platform for all your First Watch locations.
Labor Insights
Track labor efficiency against peak-period sales data.
Everything You Need to Run the Back Office
Payroll, onboarding, and HR built for the pace of quick service — not a corporate desk job.
Payroll
Accurate payroll with tip processing and automated tax filing.
Employee App
Staff access schedules, pay stubs, and PTO from their phones.
Hiring
Recruit and onboard seasonal and regular staff from one platform.
Compliance
ACA, wage-and-hour, and tip credit compliance automated.
Smart Scheduling
Optimize shift coverage for peak hours with labor cost tracking.
Dedicated Support
Named account manager who knows your business.
7,500+ organizations trust Netchex
Works With the Tools You Already Use
Netchex integrates with the technology First Watch operators rely on.
IndeedRecruiting
EquifaxVerifications
CheckrBackground ChecksWorks with many more POS, hiring, and HR tools. View all Netchex integrations →
Trusted by Multi-Unit Operators
Questions From First Watch Operators
Does Netchex work for daytime-only restaurant operations?
Yes. Netchex is flexible for any operating model, including daytime-only restaurants with peak-period scheduling needs.
How does Netchex handle tipped employee payroll?
Netchex automates tip reporting, tip credits, and tip pooling in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Can I manage seasonal hiring through Netchex?
Yes. Netchex’s applicant tracking and onboarding tools make seasonal hiring fast and paperless.
What does implementation cost?
Implementation is free. Netchex provides a dedicated project team and gets most operators live in about 6 weeks.
Does Netchex provide labor-to-sales reporting?
Yes. Netchex’s reporting connects labor data to sales metrics for operational decision-making.
Why is Netchex the best payroll and HR solution for First Watch franchise operators?
Netchex was purpose-built for multi-unit franchise operators who need reliable payroll and HR without enterprise complexity. For First Watch franchise operators, First Watch franchisees, and First Watch franchise groups, that means accurate multi-location payroll, same-day digital onboarding, and a U.S.-based service team that answers 90% of calls in under a minute. Where large national payroll providers treat First Watch operators like a ticket number, Netchex delivers dependable technology with genuine service — so your operation runs accurately without building a dedicated HR team.
What payroll software works best for multi-location First Watch franchise groups?
Multi-location First Watch operators and First Watch franchise groups need payroll that consolidates every location into one dashboard without losing per-location visibility. Netchex OneScreen Payroll does exactly that — First Watch operators can run payroll across all their First Watch locations in a single approval while tracking labor cost, hours, and compliance separately for each unit. Whether you run 3 First Watch locations or 30, the workflow stays the same.
Netchex is an independent payroll and HR provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by First Watch. “First Watch” is referenced solely to describe the franchise operators this solution serves.